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- 20190529HAv- http://www.paintedhills.org/POTTER/OldpottercoObits.html
from OLD POTTER CO. OBITUARIES
Contributed & Transcribed by PHGS Member: Sheri D. Graves
NOTE: Files copied from a book at the Potter County Historical Society with their permission.
BENJAMIN RENNELLS died Wednesday morning, May 16, 1917 at his residence on First Street, after failing rapidly for a week or more, at the advanced age of 95.
Born in Bradford County where Canton now stands, April 5, 1822.
His father, Ezra Rennels came to Potter County when Ben was nine years old, but afterwards returned to Bradford County to care for his parents. He came here to work on the Coudersport and Jersey Shore turnpike, the first outlet for Potter County to the outside world. Of the four boys, Ben, Alvin, George, and Ezra, remained in Potter, which was then a most primitive settlement. Ezra was killed by a fall in the Coudersport stone quarry, while Alvin lived to a good old age as a farmer in Summit Township. They had two sisters, but now all the family are dead.
Even at 95, Mr. Rennells had a clear recollection of his early life and the stirring events incident to the settlement and development of this back woods section. He made his home with Major Isaac Strait while a young man and upon reaching his majority, learned the blacksmith trade, at which he worked continuously, with the exception of three years when he engaged in farming to improve his health. He maintained a shop in Coudersport until his 60th year.
In July 1847, he was married to Maria Nelson and to them three children were born. One died in infancy, and a daughter, Martha, died at 18. The son, W. Cyrenus, married Ella Strait, and they have three children, Cora, a teacher in the Coudersport schools; Edna, wife of Lee Vorhees, a banker in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, and William, also of Okmulgee. W. Cyrenus Rennells has held many boro and county offices, and is at present county auditor. He and his good wife have given the aged father the most patient care during his declining years.
Benjamin Rennells has been one of the most highly respected of the many noble pioneers of Potter County, a man of sound judgment, total abstinence, kindliness and rugged honesty. He was a member of the M. E. Church, in which he was for many years, a veritable pillar. He was a charter member of Eulalia Lodge, F. and A. M., of which he was Past Master.
The funeral will be held Friday at two o’clock at the house.
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